Advice on Skin Products

Q. I have a soy allergy, and find that many personal care products, such as shampoos and body wash, contain soy. How concerned do I need to be about soy in these types of products?

Dr. Pistiner: Although oral ingestion is the most common and concerning form of exposure to an allergen, such as soy, skin contact is also of concern.

Some studies have shown that short-term exposure to an allergen on the skin does not cause severe allergic reactions. However, these studies (the allergen looked at was peanut) did show that 40 per cent of allergic subjects had localized skin reactions.

Allergens contained in skin products and cosmetics have been reported to cause allergic reactions. Most commonly these reactions are limited to the skin but systemic reactions have been reported, especially in those with a compromised skin barrier (i.e. eczema).

This website is based on journalist reporting. The information it contains is meant as general guidance and is not to be interpreted as diagnosis and treatment of individual patient conditions. For such specific medical advice, visit an allergist or pulmonologist.